East-West Ministries\' Blog

Missionary Mindset: Adoniram Judson

The Missionary Mindset series looks into the lives of notable missionaries to provide valuable insights and inspiration.

Adoniram Judson dedicated 40 years of his life to mission work in Burma. He spent several years in the country before he brought anyone to faith and suffered through time in prison for evangelizing. Judson set an excellent example for modern day missionaries through his prayerful dedication and faith in the field.

Adoniram’s Background

Although he spent many years serving the Lord as a missionary, Adoniram was not always a follower of Christ. He grew up in a Christian home, but he became interested in deism in college.

As he drifted away from the values of his childhood, he explored God through the basis of nature and reason. He was satisfied with his new beliefs until something dramatically changed his perspective … his best friend suddenly passed away.

Feeling lost and alone without his friend, Adoniram lost faith in the deist system. He understood Christ was the only thing that could fill the hole in his heart. After renewing his faith, he returned to seminary with a brighter perspective.

Near the end of his time in seminary, Adoniram felt called into the mission field. He began ministry in India, but the government sent him back to the states when they discovered his intentions.

Adoniram’s next leap of faith was in Burma. He began roadside evangelism in his zayat, a bamboo hut traditionally used for events and receptions.

“Ho! Everyone that thirsteth for knowledge!” He would proudly call out to those passing by.

Over 12 long years, Adoniram brought 18 people to Christ. He was physically tortured and served time in prison for his beliefs. But by countless prayers and relentless faith, God worked through him.

Adoniram’s Legacy

Adoniram’s impact in Burma is still widely recognized today. His faith was exemplified by his persistence and willingness to remain in the country despite numerous trials.

Here are a few of Judson’s incredible accomplishments:

Planted 100 churches

Brought 8,000 people to Christ

Compiled the first Burmese-English dictionary

Greatly honored by the people of Myanmar

Although Adoniram’s first years of ministry were met with disinterest from the Burmese people, he continued to spread the love of God to them. His commitment to the Kingdom set an example for missionaries and believers across the globe.

American preacher and author John Piper delivered a biographical message on Adoniram, focusing on his distinctive way of pursuing the Great Commission.

Piper said, “I am persuaded from Scripture and from the history of missions that God’s design for the evangelization of the world and the consummation of his purposes includes the suffering of his ministers and missionaries.”

Adoniram’s influence in the missionary realm will forever be remembered and used as an example for missionaries as they face a world so desperately in need of Christ’s love.

More Inspiration fromAdoniram

Sometimes it’s difficult to find encouragement as we go into the darkest parts of the world. Here are some inspiring pieces of wisdom from Adoniram:

“The prospects are bright as the promises of God.”

“I feel it is my duty to plod on, while daylight shall last…”

“I am not tired of my work, neither am I tired of the world; yet, when Christ calls me home, I shall go with gladness…” Adoniram said this shortly before his death.

“You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.”